Your Aston Martin Mentors
Shifting Gears with Pooh Ling
HR & Talent Development Specialist, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team
Pooh Ling E brings a wealth of experience from her diverse background as an engineer, academic, and now as a HR & Talent Development Specialist at Aston Martin F1 Team. Beginning her career as a Product Engineer in the semiconductor industry, Pooh Ling quickly ascended to the role of Senior Product Development Engineer. Her quest for deeper knowledge and innovation led her to earn a PhD in Engineering from The University of Nottingham.
Her postdoctoral journey saw her leading testing and validation activities for the European Commission Industry-Academic Partnership and Pathways Project. With a strong passion for transforming engineering education, Pooh Ling transitioned into academia. She has taught and inspired students across Asia, the Middle East, and the United Kingdom, holding positions as an Associate Professor and Senior Tutor.
At Aston Martin F1 Team, Pooh Ling oversees early career and learning development programs, driving initiatives that foster inclusion in recruitment.
Shifting Gears with Inem Coker
Design Engineer
I am an MEng Aerospace Engineering graduate from the University of Nottingham, graduating in 2021. I’d always known I wanted to work in F1, but modules like Advanced Aerodynamics and Computer Modelling Techniques solidified my passion for the sport. These were my first introductions to some of the software used in F1, and developed my understanding of the guiding
principles that drive our design work.
I have now been working at Aston Martin Aramco Formula One team for 18 months, as an Aero Design Engineer, focusing on front wings, rear wings, and front suspension. When I’m not working, I enjoy playing sports, mainly football and tennis. And I’m really into my music, mainly listening to afrobeats and soul music, sometimes even learning to play my favourite songs on piano!
Shifting Gears with Helen Crossley
Head of Social
Helen is the Head of social media for the Aston Martin F1 Team. With a decade of
experience in digital, social and fan engagement, she previously also led the social teams at
Chelsea FC and McLaren F1.
Her profound understanding of fandom has revolutionised the way that teams connect with
fans online. She leverages her keen insight into social media trends and audiences to
amplify the team's online presence, ensuring the Aston Martin brand not only resonates with
F1 fans globally, but also attracts new followers.
Shifting Gears with Stephen Westwood
R&D Integration Engineer
My role as T&D Integration Engineer within the Test & Development department involves working with all areas of our workshop to ensure we are conducting the best sign-off and validation testing of components ahead of them running on the race car. The role often includes test method definition and continuous improvement, data quality, hardware calibration, process and procedural documentation plus fault recording and investigation. As the department interacts with all areas of the car and works in conjunction with most engineering and operational areas of the team, the role has a good variety of projects and tasks to provide both interest and challenges day-to-day.
Outside of work I keep myself busy with a range of hobbies and interests such as competing in British Karting championships, running marathons and playing sports such as football, Paddle and cricket throughout the year. I am also studying towards my MSc in Leadership and Management
through Cranfield University.
Shifting Gears with Evani Mannur
ERP Business Readiness Manager
A dynamic Programme Director with a proven track record in driving business growth and digital transformation. Based in the UK, led high-profile projects for renowned clients like McLaren, Voltas, Rivian, and Aston Martin F1. With expertise in Agile methodologies and a knack for fostering strong customer relationships, have consistently delivered projects on time and within budget, resulting in significant efficiency gains and revenue increases.
Strategic leadership has also been pivotal in the public sector, transforming digital services for Brent Council and reshaping HR and student processes for Open University. An award-winning innovator, with work on SMARTCOP set new standards for law enforcement technology in India.
Currently completed an Executive MBA at Cambridge Judge Business School, equipped with both the practical experience and academic insight to drive impactful change across industries.
Shift Gears with Clara Ghattas
Junior Composites Design Engineer
Clara is Coptic Egyptian and graduated in 2022 with an MEng in Product Design Engineering from The University of Glasgow and The Glasgow School of Art. She studied abroad in Norway at NTNU in her 4th year and joined the formula student team there, Revolve NTNU, as the Monocoque Chassis Group leader, this is where she fell in love with motorsports and F1 and took a year out to intern at Toyota Motor Europe in Belgium and Cisco in Norway, before coming back to Glasgow to finish her final year.
Clara works in the composite design team at Aston Martin, Aramco Formula One as a Junior Composite Design Engineer within the chassis group. The composite design group transform the surfaces we get from aerodynamics into the physical carbon fibre parts that go onto the car. For Cara as a junior so far, this mostly means working on tooling and jig parts to help make the components using CAD. Some cool things she has worked on include helping with the parts to cool the driver seats and getting to design the test panels for the chassis structural testing for 2026.
Shifting Gears with Pau Ortegagomez
Simulator Development Engineer
Pau is a Race Strategy Engineer (and former Simulator Development Engineer) at Aston Martin F1 Team. He also holds an MSc in Aerospace Engineering and is passionate about engineering, race strategy, data analysis, motorsport and programming. All these passions have led Pau to the pinnacle of the motorsport. He is always eager to increase his knowledge in race car engineering as well as putting himself under pressure and demonstrating how he can improve his problem-solving skills and team working to achieve the team objectives.
Shifting Gears with Carlos Sanchez
Stress Engineer
Carlos is a Spanish motorsport engineer with a lifelong passion for race cars. I hold a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, a Master's degree in Machinery and Transportation, and an MSc in Motorsport Engineering.
Throughout my academic journey, I actively participated in Formula Student, which provided invaluable hands-on experience and helped me develop a robust portfolio in motorsports.
In his professional capacity, he works as a structures engineer within the Structures Department, specializing as a stress engineer. His responsibilities involve utilizing computational tools and hand calculations to predict the performance of car components under various loading conditions on the track and during FIA tests, among other scenarios. Additionally, he is also responsible for sizing composite laminates, selecting materials, and determining bolt sizes, all of which have a direct impact on the car's reliability and weight—key factors in overall performance.
His role also requires regular interaction with most technical departments within the Design Office, providing a comprehensive understanding of the car's overall design and functionality.
In his free time Carlos works on his own race car project for Hillclimb competitions, enjoy spending time in nature, and maintain an active lifestyle through regular exercise.
One of the most valuable aspects Carlos brings to mentorship is his background. Coming from a humble family and from a neighbourhood with a history of conflict, Carlos has pursued his passion and built the profile, and academic credentials needed to achieve his dream job in Formula 1. Additionally, his experience of moving to a new country alone and starting his life from scratch has given him a unique perspective and resilience that he can share with others.
Shifting Gears with Eleanor Rajaratnam
Aerodynamicist - Aero Development
Eleanor is a research professional with skills in both computational (CFD) and experimental (wind tunnel) testing and a background in Aerospace Engineering. Completed a fully funded PhD at Loughborough University that was focused on front end vehicle aerodynamics and industrially tied to Jaguar Land Rover. Currently working as an Aerodynamicist at Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team. Eleanor is also the co-chair of the Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team DE&I Group and is passionate about supporting young people into careers on STEM.
Shifting Gears with Pedro Neto
Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team - Senior Analysis Engineer - CFD
I am a CFD Engineer, my role is all about providing high quality tools to the aerodynamicists. It involves programming, maths, fluid dynamics and thermodynamics amongst other disciplines.
I joined “Team Silverstone” in 2010 for a graduate position after I finished my studies in Aerospace Engineering in Lisbon, Portugal, where I’m originally from.
I’m a dad to a four-year-old and in whatever little free time I have I go climbing, race karts, restore cars or do some more programming just because, you know, there’s no such thing as too geek!!
Shifting Gears with Sophie Ackland
Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team –Chief People Officer
Sophie Joined Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team as Chief People Officer in May 2024. Sophie is a senior HR leader with international, multi-sector experience in fast-pace, high-growth businesses within technology, retail, service and logistics industries. Sophie is responsible for all things related to people and culture, and as part of the executive team, she leads our people strategy.
Prior to joining Aston Martin, Sophie was Chief People Officer at Fortescue Zero (battery technology), and Boden (clothing). Previously to this Sophie spent over eight years overseas living in Singapore and Hong Kong, mainly working for Dyson (technology) in global roles.
Shifting Gears with Adam Dyer
Production Engineer
I am Adam, I work in Production Control, I have 7 years’ experience Formula One, five of which was spent working within the composite manufacturing environment, applying practical skills working on a multitude of components ranging from Suspension, Wings and the Chassis (Survival Cell) Since, then, I have now moved into another department, taking my knowledge and experience to apply
them within the Project Engineering department. I am responsible for delivery of the Front Wing and working with Test & Development to ensure they have part that the require.
When I am not working I enjoy playing golf, watching Netflix and watching my beloved Arsenal FC!
Shift Gears with Parveer Ramana
Sustainability Manager
I consider myself approachable, easy-going, and driven. Currently, I hold the position of
Sustainability & Environment Lead at the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. Prior to this, I worked as an Environmental Advisor at Taylor Woodrow, building a strong foundation in sustainability and environmental practices.
I studied Geography at the University of Exeter, where I actively participated in university societies.
This involvement gave me valuable insights into how to maximize the university experience to enhance one’s career.
As a mentor, I aim to provide significant value to anyone interested in pursuing a career in
sustainability. I offer guidance on a variety of topics, including how to make the most of your university years to benefit your future career. My active participation in societies during my studies allows me to offer clarity and advice in this area.
Being from an ethnic minority background, I am also familiar with the challenges faced by members of BAME groups. I can share insights on overcoming these challenges and finding practical solutions.
Outside of work, I have a wide range of interests, including cooking, exploring various cuisines (with a particular love for Lebanese and Korean food), traveling, farming, spirituality, meditation, and learning new languages.
I also have extensive experience in volunteering and community involvement. For instance, I supported the charity Shelterbox by organizing a 280-mile non-stop 3-day relay around the coast of Cornwall, raising significant funds. In my previous roles, I implemented social value strategies,
coordinated skills training programmes for the local unemployed, and organized charity events that raised over £10,000
Shifting Gears with Paul Latham
Head of Audience Development
I am passionate about the power of sport to inspire communities and promote healthier, happier lives. Growing up as a competitive swimmer, sport has always played a central role in my life, and I now encourage my children to develop the same love for playing and watching sport.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve leveraged my expertise in data analysis and strategic thinking to create commercial value for sports organisations, driving growth through partnerships, sponsorships, and fan engagement.
My career began at British Swimming, where I used data to help identify the next generation ofOlympic athletes. I then transitioned to Two Circles, a data-driven sports agency, where I worked with some of the worlds leading sports rights holders to unlock commercial success through data insights. Currently, as Head of Audience Development at Aston Martin Formula One, I focus on understanding our audience and demonstrating the value of association with our team to partners.
